Tuesday, October 31, 2006

JMO4Rep Update - One Week Until the Election, 2006

Friends, Allies, and Constituents,

With so many negative advertisements on television and radio, I am sure that you, like me, are more than ready to have the election past us. Please do not become discouraged and skip voting on Nov. 7. It is so important that we take back the U.S. House and Senate and make significant progress in the Missouri Legislature as well.

Electing Claire McCaskill as our new U.S. Senator is Missouri's most powerful way of saying NO to the Bush Administration. The war in Iraq, ineffective response to Hurricane Katrina, a massive budget deficit, tax cuts to all the wrong people, give-aways to Big Oil, failure to step up to the challenge of global warning......George W. Bush and Company have this and so much for which to answer.

To help elect Claire on Nov. 7, please consider doing the following:1) Take election day off to canvass or phone bank2) Canvassing between now and election day3) Phone banking between now and election dayCall Victory 2006 to volunteer: 314-647-0122. Please tell them thatJeanette sent you.

Other key campaigns that need your help:- Call Sen. Joan Bray's HQ at 314-692-9100 to phone, canvass, work a poll, drive voters, etc. Joan is such an ethical public servant and a very effective senator. Let's help her win over her very conservative GOP challenger.- Call Barbara Fraser for County Council HQ at 314-863-2946. Barbara is my House colleague who is term-limited out. She is intelligent and progressive and will make a great County Council member. Democratic control of the Council is in reach with a win by Barbara.- There are several MO House races where a Democrat can take back a seat from a Republican. If you can contribute time or money, call me at 314-771-8882, and I'll share contact information with you.

Three things to remember on Election Day:1) Due to a new GOP-sponsored law, you may no longer vote a straight party ticket. Be sure to vote in each race and on each ballot issue. Check your ballot carefully before turning it in.2) Allow adequate time to vote as there are multiple ballot issues, both state and city, numerous state and federal races, plus "retention of judges" issues on the ballot. If you would like to receive a Word document from Jim Shrewsbury, President of the Board of Aldermen, with the St. Louis City ballot issues listed, please request it at jmo4rep@juno.com. State ballot issues are available at www.sos.mo.gov. Also remember to vote yes on Prop B to raise the minimum wage!

3) Ask for a paper ballot (the ones that are tallied on an Opti-Scan machine). Some of my friends are convinced that the electronic touch screen machines can be hacked and votes changed. Whether this is true or not, the paper ballots will hold up better if any recount is needed.

Special Events:Oct. 31 - US Senate candidate Claire McCaskill and Missouri Senate candidates Joan Bray, Jeff Smith, Rita Days, and John Maupin will join "All God's People," an interfaith group of Christians, Muslims, and Jews, for an open dialogue on ‘What Makes Us Secure’. The forum is October 31st, from 7:30-9pm, at Central Reform Congregation (5020 Waterman Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108). For more information please contact Justin at 314-361-1564 ext 355.

Nov. 3 - John McCutcheon, one of my favorite artists, will appear in concert in St. Louis on Friday, November 3, 2006 at 8 PM on the stage of Mildred E. Bastian Performing Arts Center at St. Louis Community College, Forest Park (the corner of Oakland Ave. and Highlander Dr.). It's a benefit for St. Louis Justice and Peace Shares (JPS), a collaborative of seven local peace and justice organizations, and co-sponsored by the Department of Music, St. Louis Community College, Forest Park. Tickets are $18 advance and $20 at the door and are available by calling 314-725-5303.

Nov. 4, - Spaghetti Dinner (a fundraiser), 5-8 p.m., at my community of faith, Epiphany United Church of Christ, 2911 McNair, 63118 in the Benton Park Neighborhood. Tickets are $8. RSVP immediately to me at jmo4rep@juno.com or call 314-771-8882. I'll hold your ticket at the door.

Nov. 15 - Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community is putting on a social justice oriented thanksgiving event, "Reconstructing Thanksgiving." It will be at the Shangri-La diner on Cherokee, 6:30-9 p.m., and will include dinner. Different speakers/discussion leaders will host a cluster at each table to talk about social justice issues. During dessert there will be a more communal conversation. There will be a small charge to cover the cost of the meal. Contact Dave Kaplan for more information: david-kaplan@sbcglobal.net

Let's make Nov. 7 a great day in U.S. history, a day when the people rise up to take back our nation from the fear-mongers who have done so much to damage the quality of life in this nation and around the world. Make your vote count on Nov. 7!